Volunteer training goes mobile

CFA volunteers will have improved access to hot fire training with new mobile training props which replicate real-life fire scenarios including a car fire, house fire and a small industrial fire.

Members will be able to give their feedback on the three new prototype mobile training props during an eight-month trial touring the state.

CFA Training Delivery Manager Craig Ferguson said the mobile props would provide a new way of training for volunteers.

“We’ve never had this type of training equipment before where we’ve had the ability to take simulated hot fire training directly to brigades,” he said.

“This will be particularly beneficial to those brigades who currently have to travel long distances to reach CFA’s Regional Training Campuses.

Mr Ferguson said the props – in 20-foot shipping containers – could be transported to brigades allowing training to be held at times and locations that suited the needs of volunteer members.

“This will in turn assist volunteers to improve and maintain operational skills which will help them in real-life fire situations,” he said.

“Training is the key to safe and effective operations in an emergency service and the better we can simulate the types of incidents volunteers are required to attend, the better we can prepare our members and communities for the real thing.

“This is innovative and leading edge training equipment which has not previously been used in Victoria’s fire and emergency service agencies.”

The Mobile Training Infrastructure Project stems from the Victorian Government’s Volunteer Support Package, which recognises and supports volunteers of fire and emergency services in Victoria now and into the future.

Mr Ferguson added the design and building of the props had been in consultation with volunteer working groups, Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) and regional training staff.

“At the end of the trial, feedback will be collected and based on this; an additional 14 mobile training props may be built.”